Coupling fixture for pneumatic tire wheels



July 4, 1950 A. M. O'LEARY COUPLING FIXTURE FOR PNEUMATIC TIRE WHEELS 2Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 18, 1945 July 4, 1950 A. M. OLEARY COUPLINGFIXTURE FOR PNEUMATIC TIRE WHEELS Filed May 18, 1945 0 2 w a 92% w m 1 TF V 2 7 N v A m M 2\ "/W/J.- 57% n Patentecl July 4, 1950 UNITED,

OFFICE COUPLING FIXTURE FOR PNEUMATIC TIRE WHEELS Arthur M. OLeary, OakPark, Ill.

7 Application May 18, 1945, Serial No. 594,419

12 Claims. 1 1

This invention relates to the problem incident to accidental deflationof a pneumatic tire for a vehicle wheel, of how to make the desired tirerepair or replacement with the least loss of time and without thenecessity of calling a service car for-making immediate repair of thetire.

The present invention aims to provide a satisfactory solution by theprovision of a novel wheel coupling fixture for quickly and easilycoupling to-the deflated tire wheel, an auxiliary or replacement wheeland tire which is preferably similar to the mounted wheel and tire.Thus, the deflated tire wheel is not disturbed from its mounting and myinvention provides for carrying the vehicle temporarily on thereplacement wheel and tire until repair of the deflated tire may beconveniently made.

More particularly, it will be observed that wheels for automotivevehicles are commonly constructed with webs of pressed or drawn metal toconnect the hubs to the rims or tire-supporting elements. Continuity ofa webs periphery is broken by a series of scallops providing, with thewheel rim, a series of uniformly spaced'apertures or slots. Acharacteristic contemplated by the present invention is the use to whichthese slots are put in coupling two Wheels, preferably of similar sizeand construction, together by a fixture comprising a connecting beamprovided at each end with a spider having arms extending radially of thebeam, and terminating in end-portions adapted to enter the slots wherethe end-portions are locked in rigid'adherence with the respective wheelweb.

Another object of the invention is to incorporate in the couplingfixture two connector beams which are easy of assembly into a unitarymember to space the spiders, and thus provide two distinct compositesections, adaptable of rigid association with each'other. In thisembodiment the spiders may be spaced apart different distances, forreasons noted hereinafter.

Another object of the invention is to provide means for renewing thecapacity of a vehicle to proceed on its way, in case of accidental tiredeflation, without the necessity of an actual change of tires; toquickly renew the load-carrying capacity by supplementary addition of areplacement wheel and tire; to make it possible for the load-carryingcapacity to be renewed by people of less mechanical skill, and toincrease the supporting capacity of vehicle wheels, particularly on softroad surfaces.

An illustrative embodiment of the invention is shown in the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a view showing one of the wheels of an automotive vehicle,in elevation, towhich a section of the fixture has been attachedinaccordance with my invention, an automobile jack being in place forraising the wheel;

Figure 2 is a view similar to the previous View showing the wheel,elevated by the jack, and having a, replacement wheel coupled to themounted wheel by the entire coupling fixture, in accordance with myinvention;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary view, on an enlarged scale, showing thefixture, in side elevation, parts being broken away to reveal otherparts;

Figure 4 is a, vertical section on line 4-4 of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a section taken on line 5-5 of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a section taken on line 66 of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a View, similar to Figure 6, showing the'key in retractedposition;

Figure 8 is a section taken on line 8-8 of Figure 7; and

Figure 9 is a View, in side elevation, showing a second embodiment ofthe invention, a part being broken away to indicate the structurethereof.

In Figures 1 and 2 the reference character II is used to denoteanautomotive vehicle which has been temporarily incapacitated by adeflated tire [2. A section I3 of the coupling fixture is attached tothe wheel and a jack I4 is applied in readiness for exerting upwardpressure against the section preparatory to attachment of a replacementwheel. 'The deflated tire l2 having been raised from the road surface areplacement wheel [5 is attached to the wheel of said tire l2 by meansof a se'condsection l6. After the jack has been removed the vehicle issupported by the replacement wheel [5.

' The coupling fixture is adapted to rigidly couple together wheels ofthe kind referred to as disc wheels and 'shown in detail in Figures 3and 4. Elements of such a wheel assembly include a tire l2, inner tubel8, rim: I9, and brake drum 2| attached to the rim by a web 22. Theperiphery of the web is provided with flanges or feet 23, riveted orotherwise fixed to the rim. Scallop-like openings 24, of uniform lengthand spacing occurring between the feet provide, with the rim, a seriesof slots 25.

Mechanism of the coupling fixture includes means for detachableconnection through said slots 25 to edges of the wheel web. Such meansinvolves use of a pair of spiders 26 and 21, respectively. The spidersare of star-shaped con- 3 struction and may be duplicates of each other.They may be suitably formed, as by being struck from metal plates orsheet metal ofv uniform thickness. The spiders include arms 28 which arebent to provide end-portions 29, parallel with the axes to permit readypassage of the end-portion through the slot. Each end-portion isuniformly notched laterally thereof at 30, to provide "a webengagin jawsurface 3|. On rotating the spider slightly about its axis thejaw-surfaces assume a position embracing the web at the ends of theslots (Figures 4 and 5). and may be guided to this position by camsurfaces 32.

Locking mechanism is provided for'maintaining the jaw-surfaces in-embracement with a web. This is necessary since separation of Wheelfrom fixture would follow displacement of the surfaces 3! from the web.Rotation of the spider counterclockwise (Figure 4) leaves an open space33 between the end-portion '29 of each spider arm and the adjacent endof the 'slot 25 in which it isengaged. I have provided means whereby ifone of the spaces 33 be plugged, displacement of all the jaw-surfacesfrom engagement with web can be avoided. This means comprises a filleror 'gib 36 passing through ears 31, integral with the casing, andembracing the end-portions 29 (Figure 8). The gib is adapted to slidebetween anfupper wall 38 and a lower 39, and is kept in contact with theend-portion'29 by'a side wall 40:. At one end of the casing a lug 41extends downwardly from the upper wall 38 to provide, with lower wall39,

an opening 42 through which the gib is adapted to slide, and alsoprovides means for restraining said gib from vertical movement;Internally of the casing the gib is further restrained from verticalplay by an upwardly extending arm or lug-'42, slidably contacting theupper wall 38.

In coupling a spider to a web it is essential that the gib 34 beretracted before the end-portions 29 are inserted in the slots 25. Thisis conveniently accomplished'by means of a key 43, passing through thelug 42. The key also'passes through an opening45 which is locatedbetweenwall-portions 46 and 41, asshown in Figurel. The-key is furtherprovided with a looped portion or handle 49. Normally the gib isresiliently maintained in the coupling is about to be attached to awheel the gib is retracted by pulling the handle to the right (Figure7), against the resistance of the spring, until the stop 52 is oppositean elongated aperture or slot 53 in the wall 38. The key is then rotatedthrough a quarter turn, at which time stop 52 is brought into engagementwiththe slot (Figures 7 and 8) and in which position the spring isretained from expansion; Turning. the handle through another quarterturn permits release of the spring and extension of the gib. In order tomore effectively engage the slotted portions 30 of 'the respectivespider arms with the slotted portions 24 of the wheel web, 'I havetapered the outer edge 54 of the gib 34 (Figure 5) so that this taperededge will have a wedging action against the adjacent end of the webslot.

Means are provided for adjustably coupling the spiders together. In thecenter section 13 a hub member 55 is attached to the spider 26 in anyconvenient manner such as by welding. This hub member is tubular andvinternally sp'li'ned at 55 to receive. therein an externally splinedstud member 51, complementary'with the hub spline. The stud 51 extendsfrom the spider 2 1, to which it is also rigidly'connected in anysuitable manner such as by welding. The members '55 and 5! are mountedon the spiders with their ax'es coaxial with the axes of the spiders.Rotary adjustment of one spider relative to the other 'sp'id'er isthere'- fore easy of attainment.

Provision is also made for spacing the spiders from each other a'ndlocking them in 'a selected position. This is effected by means ofannular grooves 58 and 59', of substantially greater depth than thedepth of the splined teeth on shaft 51, and a lock bolt 6|,adaptabledfengagement with either of the grooves; I The lock bolt isslidably mounted in a hole 52 in the'hub member 55,'and is normallyretained in said hole by a suitable leaf 'spring 63. The spring isclamped to the hub 55' by a cap screw 6'4 and "spaced slightly from saidshaft by "a washer '65. At thefree end thereof the spring is suitablyfixed to the lock bolt, as by being clamped between a knurled handle 66and a shoulderB-T on the 'lock'bolt, the latter having areduced-'oross-section 68 passing through the handle to'which thesection is secured by a head '69 riveted onthe section.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that. in

' the event of deflation of a tire the coupling secextended position(Figures 5 and -6) by acompression spring 5|, coiled about the key. Atone end thereof the spring presses the lug 42 against a laterally bentarm or stop 52 on the key '43. At the opposite end the spring isresisted by said wall portions 46 and 41. When the fixture is not in usethe spring pushes the gib to a point slightly to the left of theposition shown in Figure 5, further movement being limited bythe handle49 in contact with said wall portions l6v and 4-1. When tion 1-3 may beapplied to the wheel of the. de-

flated tire in the'mannershown in Figure 1. In this position thecoupling section is securely locked to the wheel bytmeans of theinterlocking engagements between thespider arms and wheel structureasabove described. Also, ithe hub part 55-of the coupling is soconstructed and arranged as to provide an effective means for liftingthe mounted defiatedwheel'by meansv of a jack. When the wheel has beensufiiciently raised, the coupling section It will. be applied in themanner shown in Figure 2. Preferably, the coupling section l6 is appliedto thereplacement tire and wheel l'5 prior to its application to thecoupling section l3. Fhe coupling section l 6--may be set in either oftwo-positions in spaced relation to the coupling section L3 as providedby the-lock bolt 6| which may be engagedin either groove :58 or 59.These selected positions-are provided to give different spacing'between;the coupling secand the adjacent-,vehicle structure such as the fender.for rear wheel applications and also for front wheelswhere the vehiclestructure permits. In

either case the coupling sections are in driving,

apparent that by means of this invention a ve-,

hicle maybe driven temporarily until it is convenient to make the properrepair or replacement ofthe deflated tire. It will also be apparent thatthe coupling fixture may be quickly and easily applied. without thenecessity ofspecial tools other than an ordinary lifting jack.

In Figure 9 a second embodiment of the invention includes a pair ofspiders of construction identical with the spiders of the previouslydescribed embodiment. In this construction, however, a single hub memberH is employed to space the spiders from each other and to fixedly tiethem together in coaxial relationship with each other. With properspacing of the spiders this embodiment is adapted for both rear and rontwheels. This is a simplified form of the invention in which the spacedspider couplings hub portion which has the further function of providinga lifting member forapplication of a jack thereto. ,In the practice ofmy invention equivalent means may be provided for interlocking thespider arms to the wheel webs. suitable means may be used, if desired,for maintaining the spider arms against displacement from theinterlocking engagement with the wheel webs, where such engagement iseffected by relative movement of the spider arms with respect to thewheel webs.

While I have shown several embodiments of my invention, it will beunderstood that. I .do not wish to be limited thereto since manymodifications may be made, and I therefore contemplate by the appendedclaims to cover anysuch modifications as fall within the true spirit andscope of my invention.

I claim:

1. The combination with a mounted wheel having a web and slots at theperiphery of said web and an emergency wheel also having a web and slotsat the periphery thereof of a wheel coupling fixture comprising, a pairof spiders between the webs, said spiders having arms extending into theslots, means for locking the arms in the slots, a coupling member oneach of the spiders, one of said members being tubular and adapted toreceive therewithin the other member whereby the coupling members. areassociated in coacting relation to support the emergency wheel incoacting relation with the mounted wheel, and means for retaining thecoupling members in said coacting relation.

2. The combination with a mounted wheel havlllg a web and slots at theperiphery of said web and an emergency wheel also having a web and slotsat the periphery thereof of a wheel coupling fixture comprising, a pairof spiders between the webs, said spiders having arms extending into theslots, means for locking the The narrow spacing- .would be utilizedAlso,

arms in the slots; a-couplinggmember on each of; the spiders, one ofsaid members being tubular and shaped to receive therewithin in drivincon nection therewith the other coupling member,.

and means for positively maintaining the members against axialdisplacement relativeto each other in any one of a plurality ofpositions.

.3.;The combination with a pair of pneumatic; tire wheels having websand slots at the periphe cries of said webs, of a wheel coupling fixturefor releasably coupling the wheels together comprising a tubular hubmember and a second hubv member slidable within the first mentioned hubmember, means for maintaining the hub members in rigid axial adjustmentrelative toeach other, means for maintaining the hub members in rigidrotary adjustment relative to each other, a spider on the outer end ofeach hub member, said spiders having arms radial of the hub members andterminating in straight end portions ex tending through the slots, saidend-portions having web-receiving notches laterally thereof andprovidingjaw surfaces embracing the webs, and means for releasably maintainingthe jaw sur faces in embracement with said webs.

a. The .combination with a pair of pneumatic tire wheels having webs andslots at the peripheries of said webs, of a wheel coupling mechanism forreleasably coupling the wheels together comprising a hub structureadapted for application thereto of a lifting jack, a spider on each endof the hub structure, each spider having.

radial arms terminating in straight end-portions extending through theslots, said end-portions having web-receiving notches laterally thereofand providing jaw surfaces embracing the webs,

and gib means for releasably maintaining the jaw surfacesin embracementwith said webs.

5. The combination set forth inclaim 4 including spring pressed meansacting in connection with the gib means for urging the gib means intosaid -j aw surface embracement action.

6. The combination with a pair of pneumatic tire wheels having webs andslots at the periphe cries of said webs, of a. wheel coupling mechanismfor releasably coupling the wheels together comprising ,a hub structure.adapted for application thereto of a lifting jack, a spider on each endof the hub structure, each spider having radial arms terminating instraight end-portions extending through the slots, said. end por-: tionshaving web-receiving notches laterally thereof and providing jawsurfaces embracing the webs, means including gibs in slidableassociation with the end-portions, guides for maintaining the jawsurfaces in embracement with said webs, springs for maintaining the gibsin operative position, and means for retracting the gibs from operativeposition so that the end portions may be disengaged from embracementwith.

the webs.

7. The combination with an emergency tire and wheel and a vehiclemounted deflated tire Wheel, each wheel having circumferentially spacedslots at the periphery of its web of a wheel couplin fixture, comprisinga hub structure to which a lifting jack may be applied, means on eachend of the hub structure provided with circumferentially spaced armsshaped to enter the wheel slots and have interlocking driving engagementtherewith, and means for locking the inserted arms in said drivinconnection to the wheel webs.

8. The combination with an emergency tire and wheel and a vehiclemounted deflated tire wheel emerge:

each wheel having circumferentially spaced slots in its web adiacent tothe rim; of a wheel coupling fixture. comprising a'pair of couplingmembersveach having circumferentially spaced-arms shaped tobe-insertedinto said wheel slots and having means for interlocking saidarms to the wheel,

a hub member connectingthecoupling'members:

iIr-spa'ced relation-so that said members constitute a; drivingunit,thehub member providing means for ap iicationoi a lifting jack-theretofor raising the deiiated vehicle wheel-and for positic i'ning-- theoutermost coupling-member to receive the iniiated-tire emergency wheel,theemergency wheel being: appliedto' the: outer circumfrentially spacedarms of the -fi xture for interlocking connection thereto; thecoupling-fixture serving when: said jack is removed. as a vehiclesupport intermediate-the deflated tire'whe'el' and the-emergency: wheeland-also serving as avdriving unit between said wheels;

9'. A coupling fixture for mounting-an emergencywheel providedwithcircumierential spaced web openings: on a vehicle mounted' wheelsimi-- larly provided with :ci-rcumferentially spaced Webopenings,comprisinga'central coupling and liftin'g hub, coupling arms projectingoutwardly-from each end of said hub, the arms at oneend of said hubbeingprovid'ed with circumferentially spaced ends engageable with the'web' openings. of one of said wheels and the arms at the other end ofsaid hub being provided with circimiierentially spaced endsengageable-with the web openings in the'otherof said wheels; and meansfor releas ably locking-said: arm. ends in said openings 10th coupling'fixture for: mounting an emergency wheelon a vehicle mounted wheel;each-of said wheels having a disc'- web'pro'vided' withcircumferentially spaced slots in" its peripheral r portion, saidcouplin -fixture -comprising: a central' coupling and-lifting hub,coupling arms projectingoutwardly: from each end of said hub, the armsat one end of said hub.being-providedwith circumferentiallyrspaced:end'sin'serta'ble into the web slots: of one oflsaidwheels andthe armsat theother end of said hub being providediwith circumferentially spacedends insertable into the web slots. in the: other of said wheelsnsaidarm endsteachi havingl aportion. adapte'dfor :interlocking engagement:with the! web of the. associated wheel; andim'eans :for.releasablyholding said por tions ofitsaidnarmuends interlockedsllvwithisaid Wheelwebsn iii; A -eoupling fixturefor mounting an erner gen'cywheel on a vehicle mounted wheel, each' of said wheels 1 having a discweb'provided with circumferenti'allyspaced slots in its peripheralportion; said coupling fixture comprising a central coupling andlitf-ting-hub, coupling arms projecting outwardlyfronr each end of saidhub; thearms' atone end -o'f said hubbe'ng provided withcircum-ferentially spaced ends insertable" intothe web: slots of one ofsaid wheels and the arms at spacedweb openings on a vehicle mountedwheelsim'i-larly provided with circumferentially spaced Web openings,comprising a central coupling and lifting hub, said hubincluding twotelescopically related members which areaxially adjustable to varythelength of said hub, coupling arms projecting outwardly fromeach endof said hub,

the arms at one end-of said hub being provided with circumferentiallyspaced ends engageable with thewebopenings of one of said wheels and thearms of the other 'endofsaid hub being provided with circumierentiallyspaced ends engageable with the web openings in the other of 'saidwheels, and means forreleasalbly locking'said arm ends in said openings.

i ARTHURM. OLE'ARY."

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861,618 Stocking July 30,1907 1,287,620 Benson" Dec; 17', 1918 1,128,556Putnam: Sept. 12, 1922f 1,854,639 Westbrook Apr. 19,1932 l;887,538- BondNov. 15,1932 2,202,398 Poppenga: May 28, 1940

